‘Fault in Our Stars’ Author John Green ‘Sad’ That California School District Banned Book

“The Fault in Our Stars” author John Green has responded to the young adult book being banned from Riverside, Calif. middle schools because parents deemed it “inappropriate,” due to elements of death, sex and language.

“I am happy because apparently young people in Riverside, California will never witness or experience mortality since they won’t be reading my book, which is great for them,” Green wrote.

He added: “But I am also sad because I was really hoping I would be able to introduce the idea that human beings die to the children of Riverside, California and thereby crush their dreams of immortality.”

“The Fault in Our Stars” was the basis for the weepy romantic drama starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as two teens who meet at a cancer support group and fall in love, despite the impossible odds they have to live a long life. Produced on just a $12 million budget, the film grossed over $300 million worldwide.

The Riverside School District decided to ban the book after Karen Krueger, a parent, complained to the book reconsideration committee, which includes teachers, parents, a principal, librarian and instructional services specialist.